Kiss and Fall in Love: “French Comics Kiss Better” is Coming to NYCC

“French Comics Kiss Better”

Get your chapstick and Euros ready — the French are coming to New York City Comic Con! From October 4th to 9th, the French Comics Association will host the “French Comics Kiss Better” festival.

The French Comics Association (FCA) is an organization of Franco-Belgian comic publishers and creators that strives to promote French comics to American comic readers. In their own words, the FCA “aims to promote comics translated into English, to support the U.S. publishing industry, and to stimulate cultural exchanges on the basis of literature and visual narratives.” They work in partnership with the Centre National du Livre, the Bureau International de l’Édition, the Syndicat National de l’Édition and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the U.S. to share French comics with comic fans.

Maybe France isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of comics. But did you know that France is third largest comics industry worldwide? According to President of the FCA, Jean Paciulli of Glénat, “[Francophone creators] bring many years of literary heritage, from beloved characters like Astérix, Tintin and the Smurfs, to new original graphic novels.” The festival will explore a wealth of exciting subjects “from adventure stories to social issues,” so no matter your interests, you can be sure “French Comics Kiss Better” will have something to offer!

Vive la France!

In just one week, you’ll get a taste of “the French Invasion” of comics. Meet leading French comic artists in “French Comics Kiss Better: Bande Dessinée 101.” Or check out exclusive footage from IFC’s THE DEATH OF STALIN (based on Titan Comics hit thriller) with creator Fabien Nury! But if you’re here on business, “A Gathering of Educators and Comics Industry Professionals” may be the event for anyone who wants to bring comics to the classroom. All of these wonderful events will be on October 5th.

But make sure you keep your evenings open as well. Because there will be no lack of partying and interactive activities. And who doesn’t want to flex their drawing skills and enjoy a comic with a glass of wine?

Below is a partial list of some of the FCA’s events. For a complete listing of all the events, click here (and make sure to subscribe to their mailing list)!